Additive metal parts often require post processing to meet specific engineering requirements or add end-use capabilities. If a part has critical features beyond the as-built additive tolerance of +/-.005-IN, precision machining tightens up tolerances to +/- .0001-IN. Most often, we use CNC milling and conversational milling for these precise operations. We also utilize CNC turning, wire Electro Discharge Machining (EDM) for extreme fine hold and feature definition, and wire EDM drill for hole popping.
Finishing
DMLS builds in layers; a powerful laser melts powdered metal material one layer at a time in a build chamber. When a DMLS part is raw from the machine, the resulting layer lines are visible and the surface is dull. We offer a variety of tools to optimize and improve the surface of additive metal parts. Our expert DMLS finishers can reduce any components surface roughness from as-built (250 µin RA) down to a mirror polish or another specified finish.
A smooth surface finish is accomplished with blasting cabinets that use media like glass and sand to blast surfaces at high pressures and vibratory tumblers that spin and vibrate parts in large basins. We also utilize surface grinders and detailed hand finishers for a mirror polish.
In-House Quality Controls
To maintain critical quality control standards, we use a range of tools to inspect and ensure customer specifications. With international certification standards ISO 9001 and AS9100, we have stringent systems in place to guarantee component requirements are consistently met. Some of the tools we utilize include Zeiss Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) for coordinate measuring, CNC Renishaw probe for extreme accurate dimensional measuring and surface profilometers to quantify surface roughness.
We can also perform cutup metallography to determine material density, ensure parts haven’t experienced drift in the manufacturing process, and examine the presence of porosity or a change in microstructure. The tools used for these operations include metallographic polishers and metallographic microscopes.
Our in-house part performance services expedite the qualifications process, which allows us todeliver parts to customers faster. These tests include material hardness, pressure drop, air effective area and pressure tests up to 300 psi with our Rockwell hardness tester, flow bench and hydrostatic pressure tester machines.
Job Tracking
